Juniors like Teddy Ross ( left ) and Andrew Steis ( above ) have indicated family members as instrumental coaches in their game . |
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BEN WALLS ( RUSSELL AND STEIS ); CHRIS LANG ( ROSS ) |
Players all over Virginia have benefited from formal and informal mentorship , and it shows up in their game , their professional aspirations and personal lives .
Building Camaraderie
In 2018 , high school student Paul Russell from Lexington discovered golf was his hidden talent when his father and grandfather invited him to join them in a round while at a family reunion in Nashville , Tenn .
“ I was shocked by my ability to hit the golf ball ,” Russell said when he reflected on his first-ever round . “ I wasn ’ t expecting anything , so I gained a lot of confidence from it .”
The Russell Family had been Lexington Golf and Country Club members for years
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before Paul ’ s first round of golf in Nashville . Back in 2018 , Russell ’ s father and grandfather , Christopher Russell and Dr . John Russell taught him etiquette , where to stand , how to approach the tee and how to read the greens .
“ Golf really builds camaraderie , builds relationships and it has grown my relationships with my family and my friends who play ,” Russell said . “ And I didn ’ t realize this until that round when we shared moments on the golf course together when we built both character and commitments to success .”
Throughout Virginia , plenty of other junior golfers like Russell indicated family members as instrumental coaches in their game , including VSGA Junior Golf Tour and First Citizens Junior Circuit
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member Chase Snyder , Hermitage Country Club member Ethan Snow , Stonebridge High School golfer Will Layton , Lake Monticello Golf Course member Killian Donnelly and Belle Haven Country Club member Teddy Ross .
Meanwhile , Russell , now a senior at Asheville School in North Carolina who previously attended Rockbridge County High School , has learned not to copy the pros — mentioning Justin Thomas , McIlroy and Tiger — but has focused on his own game and allows swing coaches like his father and ones from Rockbridge County and Asheville to offer support , guidance and advice when necessary .
“ There ’ s so many swings out there — no two swings are the same ,” Russell said . “ I don ’ t have anyone to impress .
“ I just want to go out there and impress myself and not focus on what anyone else is doing .”
Coaches Matter
From a young age growing up at the Enniscrone Golf Club in County Sligo , Ireland , Michelle Holmes , LPGA , knew playing in tour events was not the career path for her .
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